Turned Down By Dr...What Next?

Hey everyone! I called to check with my surgeon today about going back in for another appt with him to schedule date since he asked for the letter from my regular physician. Well I was told by his nurse that he just didn't think I was a candidate for the gastric bypass due to me taking pain pills for my back. I told them I don't take them everyday. I might take 2-3 a month if that. I was so devestated and pissed at the same time. I have been wanting this for 2 years and have went through every procedure and even had the filter put in at the surgeon's request. I cried for like an hour then would get mad and cry some more. I would like to get everyone's opinion on something if i could please. I found out that there is fixing to be 2 more surgeons that is about 20-30 min from me starting to do the gastric in September (where i was driving 2 hours to see ofther surgeon). Should I sign up with them since i have had all my tests and everything done for it and see if they say i am a candidate or should I just try to lose it myself without procedure? I am 31 years old..5'7" and 309 pounds. Please tell me your opinions on this as i don't know what to do. I want to have this surgery. I want my pain gone and want to be here for my kids. Thanks  Sonya

I'm so sorry to hear of your dilemma.  First and foremost, though, look closely at your situation.   I'm just offering some opinions, not saying any of this is right or wrong. :) First of all, did you have to have a psych evaluation or was this just between you and your surgeon?

As a nurse, there is one statement that you made me cringe.  "I want my pain gone."  That along with the fact that you are taking pain meds regularly (and I realize that you're using them 'as needed' but you're taking them on a regular basis..and not just some every few months or so) but as a health care provider, that signals chronic pain.  And someone with chronic pain and statements like "I want my pain gone" send signals that further investigation may be needed prior to any surgical procedure.   Your surgeon may think you're doing this to rid yourself of chronic back pain.  True, it could be aggravated by your excess weight--but there may be other issues going on and you may still have back pain and need pain meds for your back once weight is off.   Please don't get frustrated with me.  I just saw that no one's responded and I wanted to offer some sort of ideas/insight. ??? I dunno, I'm just trying to throw some ideas around.  I would definitely either call back and get details on why he feels that you aren't a candidate.  He should have some criteria that you have or have not met--and if you have that information you could decide if you need to just go somewhere else or if you need to re-evaluate having WLS at all.  Different surgeons have different criteria...but I would think seriously about the entire situation if I was turned down by a surgeon.   Do you have documentation of trying to lose weight before?  I know you said your PCP was supportive.  Maybe a letter from him would be beneficial?  Good luck.  I will tell you that the Jackson area has several surgeons--and they all have different criteria...but it may be worth it for another opinion.   mary

Sonya, After you have exhusted all options stateside, you might want to consider my doctor in Colombia.  Since you have already had all of  your test, your cost would probably be less than $9,000.  Let me know if you would like more info. Sonya in Laurel

For one i don't just want the surgery to get rid of the pain. I have been obese most of my life and have tried everything to lose it. I have lots of reasons for wanting the surgery... 1) I am a diabetic...2) i have sleep apnea 3) have had colon cancer..4) have a knee cap that is about gone and weight isn't helping it..my psych said i was a good candidate....i have give the reason the surgeon gave me in another post..he has lost a patient to abusing pain pills in the past...That IS NOT me... Thanks Sonya